It's O.K. to slurp your coffee

Jan 22, 2015

When you were a child were you told not to slurp during a meal? If that memory still lingers and the urge to do some slurping is still prevalent, attending a coffee cupping might be right up your alley.

Slurping coffee during coffee cupping rituals is the actually the preferred method to bring the full coffee flavor to the back of the palette. Cupping is a process used to evaluate and compare coffees on a level playing field. Professional organizations such as the Specialty Coffee Association of America have specific cupping protocols to assess the quality of the coffee. While these protocols are very scientific and rigorous, many individuals have started cupping casually as a social pastime to expand their taste buds to the nuances in coffee.

It may sound strange, but the best way of tasting coffee in these cupping rituals is not by drinking it straight from the cup, it’s best to use a spoon and not just any old spoon. Cupping, the professional term used for tasting coffee, is performed by using a deep spoon to ensure the coffee sprays all over the inside of the mouth and providing the full flavor to all the taste buds.

So if you’re in the mood for a little slurping, or simply want to revert to your childhood days, think about attending a coffee cupping. Many local roasters and cafes hold cupping events and it’s a great way to learn more about coffee and expand your coffee education. Or, if you like you can host your own cupping event. CoffeeGeek.com offers a comprehensive beginner’s guide to cupping on their website with step-by-step instructions.